Cops Angered Over Images Being Posted To Social Media

Alabama police are up in arms after a suspect beat a detective, by stealing his gun, then shared the post on social media--where it was praised. The suspect, 34-year-old Janard Cunningham, is charged with attempted murder for reportedly assaulting the six-year veteran after a traffic stop at a shopping center in Roebuck around 11 a.m. The plainclothes detective was taken to a hospital for treatment, but has since been released and is recovering at home. Cunningham is being held at Jefferson County Jail, while police have released a second suspect who was apprehended without filing charges.

During the traffic stop, the detective pulled over Cunningham's SUV and told him to stay in the car while he waited for backup to arrive. The suspect disobeyed the order, asked why he was being stopped and struck the officer in the head with his own weapon. The beating continued until the officer stopped moving--which, is when Cunningham fled the scene. US Marshals and other officers were then able to track him down and bring him into custody. After the arrest, photos of the hurt and bloodied officer were posted on social media outlets.

Birmingham police Sgt. Heath Boackle, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, said "He was laying there lifeless and people were standing around taking pictures. If the tables were turned, and that was a suspect lying there, they would be rioting." Boackle added, "The officer had every right to shoot him." Jefferson County District Attorney Brandon Falls said "My understanding is, that he just, because of what was going on around the country he felt like he had to act in an aggressive manner, did so, and unfortunately an officer was severely injured in the situation."

Photo: AL